The Louisiana 4-H Museum opened in the summer of 2009 with exhibits highlighting the history and development of the LSU AgCenter's youth development program. Museum visitors were delighted and surprised at how much history was packed into the 1,100-square-foot room.

Visitors also offered feedback on how to make the experience richer and more self-guided. Museum and AgCenter staff took their suggestions to heart, put their heads together and created new multimedia exhibit pieces and signs.

Now, visitors are welcomed to the museum with colorful images of Frankie Fox, the museum's mascot. Frankie's comments (in comic-strip dialog bubbles!) and photos of the exhibit areas give visitors a preview of what's in store.

The "Parade of Possibilities" area remains a favorite exhibit. The 27-foot-long miniature parade diorama of 4-H projects and programs fascinates the young and the young at heart. But now, 20 digital screens mounted above the parade show old and recent photos related to each parade float.

The "Journey Through Time" area now includes not only artifacts and a colorful painted mural, but also a 24-foot timeline that interprets the painting. Five digital screens now display historical photos related to key points in the program's history. A video about the history of Louisiana 4-H, produced by the LSU AgCenter, can also be viewed at two computer kiosks.

More enhancements are under way in other areas so that each parish will have its own small display area. We hope that you'll visit the museum soon to see everything for yourself!